THE WRITTEN EXPRESSION QUESTIONS

Questions 16 through 40 in the Structure and Written Expression section of the TOEFL test
measure your knowledge of the correct way to express yourself in English writing. Each question
in this section consists of one sentence in which four words or groups of words have been
underlined. You must choose the letter of the word or group of words that is not correct.
Example

If you look at the underlined words in this example, you should see that the verb are is not
correct. The verb should be the singular is because the subject result is singular. Therefore, you
should choose answer (C) because (C) is not correct.
Strategy for written expression questions
1. First look at the underlined word or groups of words.
You want to see if you can spot which of the four answer choices is not correct.
2. If you have been unable to find the error by looking only at the four underlined
expressions, then read the complete sentence.
Often an underlined expression is incorrect because of something in another part of the
sentence.
3. Never leave any answers blank.
Be sure to answer each question even if you are unsure of the correct response.

Skill 11 Agreement after prepositional phrase

Subject/verb agreement is simple: if the subject of a sentence is singular, then the verb must be
singular; if the subject of the sentence is plural, then the verb must be plural. An s on a verb
usually indicates that a verb is singular, while an s on a noun usually indicates that the noun is
plural. (Do not forget irregular plurals of nouns such as women, children, and people.)
The dog barks at night.
The dogs bark at night.
In the first example, the singular subject dog requires a singular verb, barks. In the second
example, the plural subject dogs requires a plural verb, bark.
Sometimes prepositional phrases can come between the subject and the verb on the TOEFL test,
and this can cause confusion. If the object of the preposition is singular and the subject is plural,
or if the object of the preposition is plural and the subject is singular, there can be a problem in
making the subject and verb agree.

In the first example, you might think that rooms is the subject because it comes directly in front
of the verb are. However, rooms is not the subject because it is the object of the preposition to.
The subject of the sentence is door, so the verb should be is. In the second example, you might
think that room is the subject because it comes directly in front of the verb is. You should
recognize in this example that room is not the subject because it is the object of the preposition
to. Because the subject of the sentence is doors, the verb should be are.
The following chart outlines the key information that you should understand about subject/verb
agreement with prepositional phrases.

EXERCISE 11: Each of the following sentences has one or more prepositional phrases between
the subject and verb. Put parentheses around the prepositional phrases. Underline the subjects

once and the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. The subject (of the lectures) was quite interesting. (C)
Analysis:

The subject is SUBJECT and was is VERB. (Correct)

"Lectures" is not SUBJECT, it is object after preposition "OF".

2. The supplies (for the camping trip) needs to be packed. (I)

Analysis:

SUBJECT is The supplies and VERB is needs.( incorrect).

Needs should be Need because The supplies is plural

"the camping trip" is only object after prepositional "FOR".

3. The chairs under the table in the dining room is quite comfortable. (I)
Analysis:

SUBJECT is "The chairs" and VERB is "is". (Incorrect).

"is" should be "are" because "The chairs" is plural.

"the dining room" is only object after prepepostion

4. The players on the winning team in the competition were very talented. (C)
Analysis:

SUBJECT is The players and VERB is were. (correct)

5. The food for the guests at the party are on the long tables.
Analysis:

SUBJECT is The food and VERB is are. (Incorrect)

"are" should be "is" because The food is uncountable noun/singular

6. The cost of the clothes was higher than I had expected. (C)
Analysis:

SUBJECT is The cost and VERB is was. (Correct)

7. The rugs in the front rooms of the house are going to be washed today.(C)
Analysis:

SUBJECT is The rugs and VERB is are. (Correct)

8. The servers in this restaurant always does their job efficiently. (I)
Analysis:

SUBJECT is "The servers" and VERB is "does". (incorrect).

"does" should be "do" because the servers is plural.

9. The lights in the corner of the room need to be kept on all night.(C)
Analysis:

SUBJECT is "The lights" and VERB is "need". (Correct)

10. The meeting of the members of the council begins at 3:00 in the afternoon. (C)
Analysis:

SUBJECT is "the meeting" and VERB is "begins". (Correct)

Skill 12 Agreement after expression of quantity

A particular agreement problem occurs when the subject is an expression of quantity such as all,
most, or some followed by the preposition of. In this situation, the subject (all, most, or some)
can be singular or plural, depending on what follows the preposition of
Most (of the meal) was delicious.
SINGULAR
Most (of the meals) were delicious.
PLURAL
Most (of the food) was delicious.
UNCOUNTABLE
In the first example, the subject most refers to the singular noun meal, so the correct verb is
therefore the singular verb was. In the second example, the subject most refers to the plural noun
meals, so the correct verb is the plural verb were. In the third example, the subject most refers to
the uncountable noun food, so the correct verb is therefore the singular verb was.
These sentences contain examples of the types of problems that are common on the TOEFL test.
All (of the book) were* interesting.
Half (of the students) is* late to class.
In the first example, the plural verb were should be the singular verb was because the subject all
refers to the singular noun book. In the second example, the singular verb is should be the plural
verb are because the subject half refers to the plural noun students.
The following chart outlines the key information that you should understand about subject/verb
agreement after expressions of quantity.

EXERCISE 12: Each of the following sentences has a quantity expression as the subject.
Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the objects that the verbs agree with.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. Half of the students in the class arrive early. (C)

Analysis:

Object is Students (plural) and Verb is arrive (plural Verb), so the sentence is correct

2. Some of the fruit are rotten. (I)

Analysis:

Fruit and are (Verb) are not match. It should be ".....fruit is ...

3. All of the next chapter contains very important information. (C)

Analysis:

The next chapter (singular noun) and contains (singular verb) are match. (correct)

4. Most of the people in the room is paying attention.(I)

Analysis:

The people (plural noun) and is (singular verb) are not match. It should be".....of the
people ......are ..."

5. Part of the soup is left on the stove. (C)

Analysis:

The soup (uncountable noun) and is (singular verb) are match.

6. Some of the movie were just too violent for me. (I)
Analysis:

The movie (singular noun) and were (plural verb) are not match. It should be "....the
movie was ...."

7. All of the details in the report needs to be checked. (I)

Analysis:

The details (plural noun) are needs are not match. It should be "....the details
........need...."

8. Most of the money is needed to pay the bills. (C)

Analysis:

The money (uncountable noun) and is are match.

9. The first half of the class consists of lecture and note taking. (C)
Analysis:

The class (singular noun) and consists (singular verb) are match.

10. Some of the questions on-the test was impossible to answer. (I)
Analysis:

The questions (plural noun) and was (singular verb) are not match. It should be '....the
questions ......were....."

Skill 13 Agreement after certain words

Certain words in English are always grammatically singular, even though they might have plural
meanings.
Everybody in the theater are watching* the film attentively.
Even though we understand from this example that a lot of people are watching the film,
Everybody is singular and requires a singular verb. The plural verb are watching should be
changed to the singular verb is watching.
The following chart lists the grammatically singular words that have plural meanings.

Exercise 13.
Each of the following sentences contains one of the words that are grammatically singular but
they have a plural meaning.
1. Anybody are welcome at the party. (I)
Analysis:

Anybody is singular, so the verb is not "are" but "is".

2. No one here is afraid of skysiving. (C)

Analysis:

No one is singular and Verb "is" is singular, too. So the sentence is correct.

3. Everyone in the world needs love and respect. (C)

Analysis:

Everyone is singular and Verb " Needs" is singular verb, too. So the sentence is correct.

4. Someone have to clean up the house. (I)

Analysis:

Someone is singular, but verb "have to" is plural verb. So it is incorrect.

5. Each plant in the garden appear healthy and strong. (I)

Analysis:

Each plant is singular, but verb "appear" is plural verb. So it is incorrect.

Appear should be appears.

6. You should understand that anything is possible. (C)

Analysis:

Anything is singular and IS is singular verb, too. So It is correct.

7. Everything in the salad are good for you. (I)

Analysis:

Everything is singular, but verb "ARE" is plural. So it is incorrect

It should be "Everything ..........is ....."

8. Nobody in the class have completed the assignment on time. (I)

Analysis:

Nobody is singular, but subject "have" is plural. So, it is incorrect.

It should be 'Nobody........has ......"

9. I am sure that every detail have been considered. (I)

Analysis:

Every detail is singular, but verb "have" is plural. So, it is incorrect.

It should be ".....every detail has been ...."

10. Everybody know the rules, but somebody is not following them. (I)
Analysis:

Everybody is singular, but verb "know" is plural. So, it is incorrect.

It should be "Everybody knows...."

Skill 14 Parallel Structure with Coordinate Connector

The job of the coordinate conjunctions (and, but, or) is to join together equal expressions. In
other words, what is on one side of these words must be parallel to what is on the other side.
These conjunctions can join nouns, or verbs, or adjectives, or phrases, or clauses; they just must
join together the same structures. Here are examples of equal structures correctly joined by
coordinate conjunctions:
He discussed the problem with the nurse and the doctor
The professor was knowledgeable but boring
She hikes, jogs, or rides her bicycle whenever she can.
There are meetings in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening
You can do the work because you want to do it or because you have to do it
In the first example, two nouns are joined by the coordinate conjunction and. In the second
example, two adjectives are joined by the coordinate conjunction but. In the third example, three
verbs are joined by the coordinate conjunction or. In the fourth example, three phrases are joined
by the coordinate conjunction and. In the last example; two clauses are joined by the coordinate
conjunction or.
The sentences that follow show the types of errors in parallel structure that are common on the
TOEFL test.
The evening dress was beauty* but expensive.
The student reads each chapter, takes a lot of notes, and memories* the material.
In the first example, the coordinate conjunction but joins the noun beauty and the adjective
expensive. The adjective beautiful is needed in place of beauty. In the second example, the
coordinate conjunction and joins the verb reads, the verb takes, and the plural noun memories.
The verb memorizes is needed in place of memories.
The following chart outlines the use of parallel structures with coordinate con junctions.

EXERCISE 14: Each of the following sentences contains words or groups of words that should
be parallel. Circle the word that indicates that the sentence should have parallel parts. Underline
the parts that should be parallel. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. The pastries in that shop are very expensive but quite deliciously. (I)
Analysis:

before BUT and after BUT must have the same structure. EXPENSIVE is adjective, but
deliciously is adverb. So, it is incorrect.

It should be ....very expensive but quite delicious.

2. You can find some change to buy a paper in the drawer, on top of the dresser, or in the jar. (C)
Analysis:

in the drawer, on top of the dresser, or in the jar are all in same structure (adverb). So, it is
correct.

3. The living room was decorated with expensive paintings and elegance lamps. (I).
Analysis:

expensive (adjective) painting and elegance (noun) lamps have different structure. So, it
is incorrect.

It should be ....expensive painting and elegant lamps.

4. He knew that the financial problems were serious, that the situation was not going to improve,
and that he needed to get a job.
Analysis:

......that the situation was not going to improve and that he needs to get a job have the
same structure. Both sentences are clauses. So, it is correct

5. All day long during the trip to the mountains, they were skiing, sledding, or played in the
snow. (I)
Analysis:

...skiing, sledding, or played....(incorrect). It should be ..skiing, sledding, or playing.

6. The car needs new tires but not a new engine. (C)
Analysis:

...new tires (phrase) but not a new engine (phrase). So, it is correct

7. He stops working when he gets too tired to continue or when he has finished. (C)
Analysis:

...when he gets too tired to continue (clause) or when he has finished (clause). So, it is
correct

8. To get to the office, you should go through this door, turn to the left, and continuation down
the hall. (I)
Analysis:

...go (verb) through this door, turn (verb) to the left, and continuation (noun) down the
hall. So it is incorrect.

It should be ".....go......, turn, and continue,,,,,,,"

9. For dessert we could serve lemon pie, fruit tarts, chocolate cake, or butter cookies.(C)
Analysis:

....lemon pie, fruit tarts, chocolate cake and butter cookies are all phrases. So, it is
correct.

10. The sick child needs some medicine, some juice, and to rest. (I)
Analysis:

some medicine, some juice and to rest. (incorrect)

It should be "..some medicine. some juice and some rest"

Skill 15 Parallel Structure with Paired Conjuction

The paired conjunctions both and, either or; neither nor; and not only .. but
also require parallel structures.
The lecture was both informative and enjoyable
Either the history exam or the physics exam is on Tuesday.
The missing papers are neither on his desk nor in the file
He visited not only his cousin but also his grandmother.
The following is not parallel and must be corrected:
They want either to play tennis or golf*.
It is not correct because to play tennis is not parallel to golf It can be corrected in different ways.
They want either to play tennis or to play golf
They want to play either tennis or golf.
When you are using these paired conjunctions, be sure that the correct parts are used together.
The following are incorrect:
He lent me both some paper or a pencil
Either breakfast nor* lunch is included in the price.
These sentences are incorrect because the wrong parts of the paired conjunctions are used
together. In the first example, and should be used with both. In the second example, or should be
used with either.

EXERCISE 15: Each of the following sentences contains words or groups of words that should
be parallel. Circle the word or words that indicate that the sentence should have parallel parts.
Underline the parts that should be parallel. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or
incorrect (I).

1. He either lied or telling an unbelievable story. (I)

Analysis:

either ......or..... (correct), but

before and after OR should have the same structure: telling should be told.

2. The music at the concert was neither well played nor well liked. (C)
Analysis:

neither ......nor...(correct). well played and well liked have same struture, too. So it is
correct.

3. He regularly studies both in the morning or in the evening. (I)

Analysis:

both......or ......(incorrect). it should be both.....and.....

4. The play that we saw last night was not only rather delightful but also quite meaningful. (I)
Analysis:

not only .............but also.....(correct)

5. He married her neither for her ability to cook nor her ability to clean house. (C)
Analysis:

neither .............nor....(Correct)

6. The discussion was both exciting and interest. (I)

Analysis:

both ............and.......(Correct), but

before and after and should have same structure. Exciting is adjective, but interest is
noun. Interest should be interesting.

7. He withdrew all the money not only from the checking account but also from the savings
account. (C)

Analysis:

..not only ...but also...(correct)

8. Neither the teacher or the students are ready to leave the classroom. (I)
Analysis:

Neither.....or...(Incorrect). It should be Neither .....nor.

9. You can meet with me either in the next few minutes or at 4:00. (C)
Analysis:

either.....or...(correct)

10. John is an adventurous person who enjoys not only skydiving but also goes parasailing. (C)
Analysis:

...not only....but also...(correct)

Skill 16 Problem with past participle

Whenever you see the verb have in any of its forms (have, has, having, had), be sure that the
verb that follows it is in the past participle form.
We had complete* the work.
They have went* to the market.
In the first example, complete should be the past participle completed because it is after had. In
the second example, went should be the past participle gone because it is after have.
The following chart outlines the use of verb forms after have.

EXERCISE 16:
Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with have. Underline the verbs twice.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. We have already hearing the good news. (Incorrect)
Analysis: have hearing should be have heard
2. She has ridden her bicycle to school every day. (Correct)
Analysis: has ridden is correct
3. I have always believe you. (Incorrect)
Analysis : have always believe is incorrect, it should be have always believed.
4. He has find the missing car keys. (Incorrect)
Analysis : has find is incorrect. It should be has found.
5. They have put their money in a savings account. (Correct)
Analysis : have put is correct
6. Their parents have allowed them to stay up late. (Correct)
Analysis: have allowed is correct

7. She has never ran away from home before. (Incorrect)

Analysis: have never ran is correct. It should be have never run.
8. Have you ever saw a ghost? (Incorrect)
Analysis: saw is incorrect. It should be seen.
9. They have taken three tests already this week. (correct)
Analysis: have taken is correct.
10. He has offer me a high-paying job. (Incorrect)
Analysis: has offer is incorrect. It should be has offered.

Skill 17 Problem with present participle and past participle

The verb be in any of its forms (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being) can be followed by
another verb. This verb should be in either the present participle or the past participle form.
They are turn* on all the lamps.
The office door is lock* in the evening.
In the first example, turn on should be turning on because it is after are. In the second example,
lock should be locked because it is after is.
The following chart outlines the use of verb forms after be.

EXERCISE 17:
Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with be. Underline the verbs twice.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. She was study the textbooks all night long. (I)
Analysis:

study should be studying because after be should present participle (-ing)

2. The pie was cut into six equal pieces. (C)

Analysis:

" was cut" is correct because after was should be past participle.

3. Today the teacher is allow the students to leave class a few minutes early. (I)
Analysis:

allow should be allowing because after is should be present participle.

4. The class is teach every other semester. (I)

teach should taught because after is should be past participle.

5. Tom is bringing some drinks to the party. (C)

Analysis:

"is bringing" is correct because after is should be "present participle (bringing)".

6. The sick child was taken to see a doctor. (correct)

Analysis:

"was taken" is correct because after was should be past participle (taken).

7. The children are swim in the backyard pool. (I)

Analysis:

swim should be swimming because after are should be present participle.

8. The diamond jewelry is always keep in a safe place. (I)

Analysis:

keep should be kept because after is should be past participle.

9. The teacher is preparing a difficult exam for the students. (C)

Analysis:

"is preparing" is correct because after is should be present participle.

10. Dinner is served from 6:00 to 8:00.

Analysis:

"is served" is correct because after is should be past participle.

Skill 18 Problem with modals

Whenever you see a modal such as will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, or must,
you should be sure that the verb that follows it is in its base form.
You must telling* her the truth.
The child may comes* in now.

In the first example, telling should be the base form tell because it follows must.

In the second example, comes should be the base form come because it follows may.

The following chart outlines the use of verb forms after modals.

EXERCISE 18
Each of the following sentences contains a verb formed with a modal. Underline the verbs twice.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. You should try to respond politely. (C)
2. Everyone must leaves the room immediately. (I)
Analysis:

leaves should be leave

3. I could sat on the beach for hours. (I)

Analysis:

sat should be sit

4. She will asking you many difficult questions. (I)

Analysis:

asking should be ask

5. You can look at the book, but you cannot borrow it. (C)
6. He may lies to you because he is not very truthful. (I)
Analysis:

lies should be lie

7. He knew that he would forgot the phone number. (C)

Analysis:

forgot should be forget

8. The weatherman said that it might snowing tonight. (I)

Analysis:

snowing should be snow

9. Perhaps we could bought a new car this year.(I)

Analysis:

bought should be buy

10. This course will satisfy the graduation requirement. (C)

Skill 19 Problem with singular and plural nouns

A problem that is common in the Written Expression section of the TOEFL test is a singular
noun used where a plural noun is needed, or a plural noun used where a singular noun is needed.
He just finished several book*.
She studied each chapters
In the first example, several indicates that the plural books is needed. In the second example,
each indicates that the singular chapter is needed.
In the Written Expression section of the TOEFL test you should watch very carefully for key
words such as each, every, a, and single that indicate that a noun should be singular. You should
also watch carefully for key words such as many, several, and three that indicate that a noun
should be plural.
The following chart lists the key words that indicate to you whether a noun should be singular
or plural.

EXERCISE

19:

Each of the following sentences contains at least one key word to tell you if a noun should be
singular or plural. Circle the key words. Draw arrows to the nouns they describe. Then indicate if
the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. She talked to each people in the room. (I)
Analysis:

after each is singular object, so each people should be each person.

2. There is not a single bit of food in the refrigerator. (C)

Analysis:

after single is singular noun, so a single bit is correct.

3. You need two piece of weight loss pills (I)

Analysis:

after two is plural noun, so two piece should be two pieces

4. Both classes started on time. (C)

Analysis:

After both is plural noun, so both classes is correct

5. We took a new routes to the beach house.(I)

Analysis:

after a is singular noun, so a new routes is incorrect and it should be a new route

6. He gave many different reasons for his actions. (C)

Analysis:

after many is plural noun, so many different reasons is correct.

7. You must answer every questions on the test. (I)

Analysis:

after every is singular noun, so every question is incorrect and it it should be every
question.

8. She tried several times to call me. (C)

Analysis:

after several is plural noun, so several times is correct.

9. He offered me only one glass of water. (C)

Analysis:

after one is singular noun, so one glass is correct.

10. We had various kind of drinks with the meal.(I)

Analysis:

after various is plural noun, so various kind is incorrect, it should be various kinds.

Skill 20 Countable and Uncountable Nouns

In English, nouns are classified as countable or uncountable. For certain questions on the
TOEFL test, it is necessary to distinguish countable and uncountable nouns in order to use the
correct modifiers with them.
As the name implies, countable nouns are nouns that can be counted. Count able nouns can
come in quantities of one, or two, or a hundred, etc. The noun book is countable because you can
have one book or several books.
Uncountable nouns, on the other hand, are nouns that cannot be counted because they come in
some indeterminate quantity or mass. A noun such as milk or happiness cannot be counted; you
cannot have one milk or two milks, and you cannot find one happiness or two happinesses.
Uncountable nouns are often liquid items such as water oil, or shampoo. Uncountable nouns can
also refer to abstract ideas such as security, friendship, or hope.
It is important for you to recognize the difference between countable and uncountable nouns
when you come across such key words as much and many.
They have taken much* trips recently.
There was not many* water in the pool.
In the first example, much is incorrect because trips is countable. This sentence should say
many trips. In the second example, many is incorrect because water is uncountable. This
sentence should say much water.
The following chart lists the key words that indicate to you whether a noun is countable or
uncountable.

EXERCISE 20: Each of the following sentences contains at least one key word to tell you if a
noun is countable or uncountable. Circle the key words. Draw arrows to the nouns they describe.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. She will visit in a few months. (C)
Analysis:

a few is followed by countable noun and months is countable noun, too.

So, a few months is correct.

2. Many are unnecessary. (I)

Analysis:

There should be countable noun object after Many.

3. You need to show a little kindness. (C)

Analysis:

little is followed by uncountable noun and kindness is uncountable noun, too.

So, a little kindness is correct.

4. You have a number of choice.(I)

Analysis:

a number should be follow by plural of countable noun. choice should be choices. So it

should be a number of choices.

5. There was a large amount of apples in the bowl. (I)

Analysis:

apples is countable noun

amount is followed by countable noun

So, it should be a number of apples, not amount of apples.

6. We have fewer opportunities now.(C)

Analysis:

fewe is followed by countable noun and opportunities is countable noun.

So, fewer opportunities is correct

7. How much money is left? (C)

Analysis:

much is followed by uncountable noun and money is uncountable noun, too.

So much money is correct.

8. He caused less problems this time. (I)

Analysis:

less is followed by uncountable noun

problems is countable noun. So less problems is incorrect. It should be fewer problems.

9. They need a little times to finish their work. (I)

Analysis:

little is followed by uncountable noun

time is uncountable noun and should be time (no S). So a little times is incorrect. It
should be a little time.

10. He visited many exotic places.(C)

Analysis:

exotic places are countable noun

many should be followed by countable noun, too. So many exotic places is correct.

Skill 21 Subject and Object Pronoun

Pronouns are words such as he, she, or it that take the place of nouns. One common problem
with pronouns on the TOEFL test is that subject and object pronouns are confused, so you
should be able to recognize these two types of pronouns.

A subject pronoun is used as the subject of a verb. An object pronoun can be used as the
object of a verb or the object of a preposition. Compare the following two sentences.

In the second sentence, the subject pronoun she is replacing the noun Marie. The object of the
verb it is replacing the noun phrase the film, and the object of the preposition him is replacing
the noun Barry.
The following are examples of the types of subject or object pronoun errors that you might see
on the TOEFL test.
Me* and my friend are taking a trip.
Our neighbors are going with you and I*
1. In the first example, the object pronoun me is incorrect because this pronoun serves as the
subject of the sentence. The object pronoun me should be changed to the subject pronoun
I. It can be difficult to recognize that me is the subject because the verb are has a double
subject, me and my friend.
2. In the second example, the subject pronoun I is incorrect because this pronoun serves as
the object of the preposition with. The subject pronoun I should be changed to the object
pronoun me. It can be difficult to recognize that I is the object of the preposition with
because the preposition with has two objects: the correct object you and the incorrect
object I.
EXERCISE 21: Each of the following sentences contains at least one subject or object pronoun.
Circle the pronouns. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

1. You should do it for her. (C)

Analysis:

It is correct it functions as Object pronoun

2. They helped she with the work. (I)

Analysis:

She is Subject Pronoun.

But, the sentence needs Object Pronoun "her". So, the correct sentence is They helped
her with the work.

3. Her and Bob came over to visit me. (I)

Analysis:

Her is Object pronoun.

It should be Subject Pronoun " She". So, the correct sentence is She and Bob came over
to visit me

4. I brought it for you and them.

Analysis:

Subject Pronoun "I" is correct.

Object pronoun "You and Them" is correct too.

5. He opened the refrigerator and took some food from it. (C)
Analysis:

Subject pronoun "He" is correct and Object pronoun "it" is correct, too.

6. She lent it to you and I. (I)

Analysis:

Subject pronoun "She" is correct.

Object pronoun "I" is incorrect. It should be "me" as object pronoun.

7. She spent all the money on them.(C)

Analysis:

Subject pronoun "She" is correct.

Object Pronoun "Them" is correct, too

8. You forgot to give it to they. (I)

Analysis:

Object pronoun "it" is correct.

Subject pronoun "they" is incorrect. It should be Object pronoun "them". So the correct
sentence is You forgot to give it to them.

9. We offered she a place to stay. (I)

Analysis:

Subject pronoun "she" is incorrect. It should be object pronoun "her"

10. They watched us play with it. (C)

Analysis:

Object pronoun "us" and " it" is correct

Skill 22 Possessive
Possessive adjectives and pronouns both show who or what owns a noun. However,
possessive adjectives and possessive pronouns do not have the same function, and these two
kinds of possessives can be confused on the TOEFL test. A possessive adjective describes a
noun: it must be accompanied by a noun. A possessive pronoun takes the place of a noun: it
cannot be accompanied by a noun.

Notice that in the first example the possessive adjective her is accompanied by the noun
television. In the second example, the possessive pronoun hers is not accompanied by a noun.
The following chart outlines the possessives and their uses.

These examples show the types of errors that are possible with possessive adjectives and
possessive pronouns on the TOEFL test.
The students turned in theirs* papers.
I would like to borrow your*.

In the first example, the possessive pronoun theirs is incorrect because it is accompanied
by the noun papers, and a possessive pronoun cannot be accompanied by a noun. The
possessive adjective their is needed in the first example.

In the second example, the possessive adjective your is incorrect because it is not
accompanied by a noun, and a possessive adjective must be accompanied by a noun. The
possessive pronoun yours is needed in the second example.

EXERCISE 22: Each of the following sentences contains at least one possessive pronoun or
adjective. Circle the possessives in these sentences. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C)
or incorrect (I).
1. She cut hers hair recently. (I)
Analysis:

Hers should be her.

2. We will take our car or theirs. (C)

3. Please lend me yours notes from the history lecture. (I)
Analysis:

Yours should be your

4. I like his ideas and hers. (C)

5. The tree fell on its side during the storm. (C)
6. My desk is located near hers. (C)
7. Theirs suggestion was unrealistic. (I)
Analysis:

Theirs should be their

8. Our appointment is just after your. (I)

Analysis:

your should be yours

9. Your friends and my friends are coming to our party. (C)

10. You dont have yours gloves with you, but I have mine. (I)
Analysis:

yours should be your

Skill 23 Pronoun Reference

After you have checked that the subject and object pronouns and the possessives are used
correctly, you should also check each of these pronouns and possessives for agreement. The
following are examples of errors of this type that you might find on the TOEFL test.
The cookies are for you, so please take it*.
Each person has to sign their* application form.
Analysis:

In the first example, the singular pronoun it is incorrect because it refers to the plural
noun cookies. This pronoun should be replaced with the plural pronoun them.

In the second example, the plural possessive adjective their is incorrect because it refers
to the singular each person. This adjective should be replaced with the singular his or
her.

The following chart outlines what you should remember about checking pronoun reference.

EXERCISE 23: Each of the following sentences contains at least one pronoun or possessive.
Circle the pronouns and possessives. Draw arrows to the nouns they refer to. Then indicate if the
sentences
are
correct
(C)
or
incorrect
(I).
1. If my friend calls, please tell them that I will return the call. (I)
Analysis:

The pronoun them is in correct because it refers to my friend.

The pronoun them should be replaced by him or her.

2. I dont like the idea because it is too costly. (C)

Analysis:

The subject pronoun it is correct because it refers to singular noun the idea.

3. The tables at the restaurant are so large that it can seat 12 people. (I)
Analysis:

The subject pronoun it is incorrect because it refers to plural object the tables.

The subject pronoun it should be replaced by they.

4. The soup needs more salt because he does not taste very good. (I)
Analysis:

The subject pronoun he is incorrect because it refers to the soup.

The subject pronoun he should be replaced by it.

5. The girls ran too fast, and she fell down. (I)
Analysis:

The subject pronoun she is incorrect because it refers to plural noun the girls.

The subject pronoun she should be replaced by they.

6. In the autumn, the tree lost its leaves. (C)

Analysis:

The possessive pronoun its is correct because it refers to singular noun the tree.

7. The windows were open, so I closed it. (I)

Analysis:

The object pronoun it is incorrect because it refers to plural noun the windows.

The object pronoun it should be replaced by them.

8. The travelers lost their way in the storm. (C)

Analysis:

The possessive pronoun their is correct because it refers to the travelers.

9. The boy got the box, and he opened it carefully. (C)

Analysis:

The subject pronoun he is correct because it refers to singular noun The boy.

10. The woman left their earrings at home, so she wasnt wearing them. (I)
Analysis:

Possessive pronoun their is incorrect because it refers to singular noun The woman.

Possessive pronoun their should be replaced by her.

Skill 24 Adjectives and Adverbs

Sometimes in the Written Expression section of the TOEFL test, adjectives are incorrectly used
in place of adverbs, or adverbs are incorrectly used in place of adjectives. Adjectives and adverbs
have very different uses in sentences. Adjectives have only one job: they describe nouns or
pronouns.

In the first example, the adjective delicious describes the noun meal.

In the second example, the adjective delicious describes the pronoun it.

Adverbs have three different uses. They can describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

In the first example, the adverb quickly describes the verb writes.

In the second example, the adverb quickly describes the adjective written (which
describes the noun letter).

n the third example, the adverb extremely describes the adverb quickly, which describes
the adjective written (which describes the noun letter).

The following are examples of incorrect sentences as they might appear on the TOEFL test.

In the first example, the adverb largely is incorrect because the adjective large is needed
to describe the noun table.

In the second example, the adjective soft is incorrect because the adverb softly is needed
to describe the verb talked.

In the third example, the adjective extreme is incorrect because the adverb extremely is
needed to describe the adjective long.

In the last example, the adjective unbelievable is incorrect because the adverb
unbelievably is needed to describe the adverb quickly.

The following chart outlines the important information that you should remember about the use
of adjectives and adverbs.

EXERCISE 24:
1. Her hair was an unusually color of red. (I)
Analysis:

the adverb unusually is incorrect. It should be unusual (adjective) to describe the color
(noun)

2. The weather is really comfortable. (C)

Analysis:

Really (adverb) is correct because it describes comfortable (adjective)

3. We attended a poor planned conference. (I)

Analysis:

Adjective poor is incorrect. It should be poorly (adverb) because it describes planned

(adjective).

4. He talked slowly and carefully. (C)

Analysis:

Adverb Slowly and carefully are correct because they describe talked (verb)

5. The composition was careful prepared.(I)

Analysis:

Adjective careful is incorrect. It should be carefully (adverb) because it describes

prepared (adjective)

6. She had an incredible story about her long trip. (C)

Analysis:

adjective incredible is correct because it describes story (noun).

7. He sent me a quickly written note. (C)

Analysis:

adverb quickly is correct because it describes written (adjective).

adjective written is correct because it describes note (noun).

8. The cat meowed sad. (I)

Analysis:

adjective sad is incorrect. It should be sadly (adverb) because it describes meowed (verb)

9. The children are hungry and tired. (C)

Analysis:

Adjective hungry and tired are correct because they describe children (subject)

10. The lecturer spoke extremely loud. (I)

Analysis:

Adjective loud is incorrect. It should be loudly (adverb) because it describes spoke

(verb).

Skill 25 Adjective after linking Verbs

Generally an adverb rather than an-adjective will come directly after a verb because the
adverb is describing the verb.

In this example, the verb spoke is followed by the adverb nicely. This adverb describes
the verb spoke.

However, you must be very careful if the verb is a linking verb. A linking verb is followed by
an adjective rather than an adverb.

In this example, the linking verb looks is followed by the adjective nice. This adjective
describes the subject she.

You should be sure to use an adjective rather than an adverb after a linking verb. Be careful,
however, because the adjective that goes with the linking verb does not always directly follow
the linking verb.

In this example, the adjective nice, which describes the subject he, is itself described by
the adverb unusually. From this example, you should notice that it is possible to have an
adverb directly after a linking verb, but only if the -adverb describes an adjective that
follows.

These sentences show the types of errors with linking verbs that are common on the TOEFL test.
The test looks easily* to me.
Sally feels unbelievable* happy about the news.

In the first example, the linking verb looks should be followed by the adjective easy
rather than the adverb easily.

In the second example, the linking verb feels is followed by the adjective happy. The
incorrect adjective unbelievable should be the adverb unbelievably because it describes
the adjective happy.

The following chart lists commonly used linking verbs and outlines the differ ent uses of
adjectives and adverbs after regular verbs and linking verbs.

EXERCISE 25: Each of the following sentences contains at least one adjective or adverb.
Indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. Kathy looks gorgeously in that dress. (I)
Analysis:

Looks is linking Verb and should be followed by adjective gorgeous, not gorgeously.

So, the correct sentence should be Kathy looks gorgeous in that dress.

2. The children have grown considerably. (C)

Analysis:

grown is regular verb and followed by adverb, considerably. So it is correct.

3. Steve walked rapid to the corner to catch the bus. (I)

Analysis:

walk is regular verb and rapid is adjective. Rapid should be rapidly. So it incorrect.

The correct sentence should be Steve walked rapidly to the corner to catch the bus.

4. The boys became sick with the flu. (C)

Analysis:

became is linking verb and sick is adjective. So , it is correct.

5. The mother closed the door careful. (I)

Analysis:

closed is regular verb and careful is adjective. So it is incorrect.

careful should be carefully (Adverb)

6. Tom appeared rather unhappily at what had happened.(I)

Analysis:

appeared is linking verb and unhappily is adverb, So it is incorrect.

unhappily should be happy (adjective)

7.The choir members sang enthusiastically. (C)

Analysis:

sang is regular verb and enthusiastically is adverb. SO it is correct.

8. The soup tastes too salty. (I)

Analysis:

tastes is linking verb and salty is adverb. So it is incorrect.

the correct sentence should be The soup tastes too salt.

9. The book seemed easily for the students.

Analysis:

seemed is linking verb and easily is adverb. So it is incorrect.Easily should be easy

(adjective)

The correct sentence should be The book seemed easy for the students.

10. In the late afternoon, the sun set slow in the west.
Analysis:

set is regular verb and slow is adjective. So it incorrect. Slow should be slowly (Adverb).

The correct sentence should be ......., the sun set slowly.....

Structure and Written Post Test

SECTION 2
STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION
Time25 minutes
(including the reading of the directions)
Now set your clock for 25 minutes.
This section is designed to measure your ability to recognize language that is appropriate for
standard written English. There are two types of questions in this section, with special directions
for each type.
Structure
Directions: These questions are incomplete sentences. Beneath each sentence you will see four
words or phrases, marked (A), (B), (C), and (D). Choose the one word or phrase that best
completes the sentence. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in
the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen.
Look at the following examples.
Example 1
The president_________ the election by a landslide.
(A) won
(B) he won
(C) yesterday
(D) fortunately
The sentence should read, The president won the election by a landslide. Therefore, you should
choose answer (A).
Example II
When _____ the conference?
(A) the doctor attended
(B) did the doctor attend
(C) the doctor will attend
(D) the doctors attendance
The sentence should read, When did the doctor attend the conference? Therefore, you should
choose answer (B).
Let's begin the TOEFL Post Test.

1. _____ lived on Earth for nearly 150 million years.

(A) Dinosaurs
(B) Dinosaurs who
(C) If dinosaurs
(D) Since dinosaurs
2. Early printers arranged type into _____ a small, flat composing stick.
(A) words
(B) are words on
(C) words on
(D) the words are on
3. ____ along most of its length into an upper chamber and a lower chamber.
(A) The divided cochlea
(B) Dividing the cochlea
(C) The cochlea is divided
(D) With a divided cochlea
4. Yeast is an organic catalyst _____ known to prehistoric humanity.
(A) was
(B) which was
(C) which it
(D) which
5. Many communities _____ a complex system of linguistic levels in order to show respect.
(A) useful
(B) use already made
(C) making it useful
(D) make use of
6. The ear is a flexible organ, _____ simply was not designed to withstand the noise of modern
living.
(A) but it
(B) it
(C) but
(D) its
7. In 1934, chemist Wallace Carothers produced a plastic which _____ nylon.
(A) his call
(B) he called
(C) to call him
(D) calling
8. As _____ grows, the shell in which it lives grows, too.
(A) a mollusk
(B) a mollusk it

(C) has a mollusk

(D) it has a mollusk
9. The first _____ the Civil War was fired from Fort Johnson upon Fort Sumter on April 12,
1861.
(A) shot
(B) shot in
(C) shot was in
(D) it was shot
10. Stalactites are formed in caves by groundwater ______ dissolved lime.
(A) it contains
(B) containing
(C) contains
(D) containment
11. By studying the movements of the Sun and Moon, even early astronomers could _____
eclipses would take place.
(A) predicting when
(B) when it predicts
(C) the prediction when
(D) predict when
12. Coffee probably originally grew wild in Ethiopia in the province of Kaffe, and from there
_____ to southern Arabia.
(A) bringing it
(B) it was brought
(C) brought it
(D) brought with it
13. Alabama was occupied by the French and Spanish before _____ to England in 1763.
(A) was ceded
(B) ceded to it
(C) it was ceded
(D) ceded it
14. A group of winged reptiles pterosaurs is believed to have been the first vertebrates with the
power of flight.
(A) call
(B) calls
(C) called
(D) is called
15. On November 23, 1863, Grant stunned the Confederates on Missionary Ridge with what
_____ to be a full-dress military parade of troops who unexpectedly opened fire.
(A) appeared
(B) appearing

(C) appearance
(D) apparent.